Of all the great bands and musicians of whom I’ve become a big-time admirer this year, first-class whistler and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird may top the list. Just take one look and listen at his A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left and tell me that’s not a wonderful example of originality and genius in a sea of raw sewage. I’ve been swimming in raw sewage, and I love it. (Frank Drebin, 1988)
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Pitchfork’s got the scoop on Bird’s new eight-song EP, Soldier On:
Along with a handful of outtakes, alternate mixes, and early versions of Bird classics, the disc sports Andrew’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Oh Sister”, his contribution to the Janet Reno-curated Songs of America compilation, and a tune from the dance project he cooked up alongside Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak. There’s a new track, too, the somewhat improbably titled “The Water Jet Cilice”. The disc is currently only available at the Birdman’s gigs, but should head into wider availability early next year.
If the combination of a stupendous live show and some new tracks aren’t incentive enough to get you to a show, then you may or may not deserve to be kicked in the junk. Just sayin’.
5 Responses
wow! that is some nice stuff kid.
from the violin intro to the cread crowd shots (magnitude!) to the whistling, back to slingin an axe over the shoulder…the whole time, just keeping that great soft pitter patter of tempo.
intriguing cat with a great flow and most importantly-talent.
Eat it, Goff. You can’t get rid of me that quickly!
you werent jokin. the guy’s whistling is up there with “Mississipi” Andy Jones, Groady McGovern and the Swamp Kids, and of course “Whistlin” Lemon Christofferson…
wow…what a collection of whistlers…
ace_who? ha! backend site p.i.
ya got me again capt. cowboy.
if it wasn’t for your pesky required email field, I would have foiled you again.